Cupid strikes again: sequel to Lollywood classic ‘Aina’ in the making

LAHORE: It was back in 1977 that Aina first took Pakistan by storm. The Kazi Nazrul Islam directorial was considered well ahead of its time, with its depiction of two star-crossed lovers belonging to different social classes and trying to work through the differences.

Boasting of an A-list cast comprising actors Nadeem Baig and Shabnam, Aina went to become one of the most successful films from Lollywood, ever. In fact, to this day, it remains Pakistan’s only ‘Crown Jubilee’ mega-hit, running for a whole year in cinemas across the country. It won 12 Nigar Awards, one of which was in the Best Film category. And now, Syed Noor is attempting to take the legacy even further, with a sequel to the original, called Aina 2.

According to the veteran film-maker, shooting for the sequel will begin in September this year, with actor Shehroz Sabzwari as the male lead. “I’ve been contemplating Aina 2 for many years now. I recently discussed it with Nadeem and Shabnam and I think now is the right time to begin working on it,” Noor told The Express Tribune. “Of course, Aina 2 will further the story told in Aina with the original star cast members as well as some new faces. Also, we’re planning on filming it in Canada this time,” he added.

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It wasn’t just the story and acting that made Aina popular. The film’s soundtrack also made headlines across the world, with music industry big weights such as Nayyara Noor, Alamgir, Mehnaz and Mehdi Hasan lending their voices to it. Late music director Robin Gosh composed the music, alongside renowned guitarist Sajjad Taffu.

This time too, Noor will leave no stone unturned in making sure Aina 2 does justice to its predecessor. He is well-known in the industry for his extensive experience and numerous super hits and determined to make the sequel as great as the original film. “At this point in the life of Pakistani cinema, I believe Aina 2 will be a good addition. I am still in the process of finalising the details of the project. Hopefully, I’ll get to share them soon, once everything is sorted,” said the director.

Senior Lollywood actor Bahar Begum – who played the role of a modern mother in Aina – is also glad Noor has decided to remake the evergreen hit. “He’s a very intelligent film director and I know he will do a great job with Aina 2,” she said. “I haven’t been contacted by him yet so someone else will be playing the role of the mother in sequel, presumably. Either way, I am very happy. Aina was very successful, not just here in Pakistan but in other countries, like China too,” added the actor.

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Tafu also reminisced about his time as a composer for Aina, saying that all of the songs they made went on to become super popular. “I was very young when Aina was made but I remember all the songs were appreciated by the audiences, especially Mujhay Dil Se Na Bhulana, which was sung by Mehdi Hassan and Mehnaz,” he recalled. “In fact, I think people still listen to them.”